One of the most common questions asked of relationship experts is, “What can I do to keep the relationship vital and strong?” An important part of the solution is providing the emotional support they crave.

Apply these strategies in your relationship to become a supportive partner:

• Listen with intensity. When you listen, it shows you’re interested in what’s on your partner’s mind. What do they yearn for? What do they love to do? If you listen, you’ll know.
• Think of your partner first as much as possible. What restaurant might they like to go to this evening? Is there an activity they’ve recently said they wished they could do? When you consider your partner’s wants and needs, your partner will feel the love.
• Laugh together each day. There’s something comforting and fun about laughing easily and often. Read them a joke you saw on Facebook. Tell them about something funny you read in the newspaper. Use a bit of self-deprecating humor. Find the humor in seemingly non-humorous happenings.

• Pay attention. After living with someone for several years, it’s easy to fall into patterns of doing your own thing and being more focused on your own desires. Observing your partner enhances your awareness of where they are both physically and emotionally.
• Offer help frequently. If your wife seems frazzled about preparing for overnight visitors arriving next week, offer to help her prepare. Inquire about what she wants to have done and do some of the tasks for her. If your husband wants to take his buddy to lunch next week and show off the new car but doesn’t have the time to take it to the car wash, get it washed for him. Loving partners assist each other frequently. Be on the lookout for things you can do to help them.
• Declare that you’re a team. There will be opportunities for you to tell your spouse that you’re there for them. You can say something like, “We’re a team. You can count on me. Statements like these demonstrate your ongoing support.
• If you’ve been less than supportive recently, bring it up. Although this may be difficult, admitting that you failed to step in and be there for your partner shows them you’re able to recognize your missteps. Plus, you can reassure them that it won’t happen again.
• Apologize. Apologizing says that you see your error and realize that you hurt your partner. Apologizing can be a humbling, yet cleansing, experience. Afterward, you can continue the relationship with a clean slate.
• Honesty. It’s very important, to be honest with your partner. If you’re careful with your tone of voice and gently portray your honest thoughts and feelings, your relationship will thrive.

Your decision to be involved in an intimate, loving relationship was probably one of the most wonderful decisions you’ve ever made. Be supportive of your partner by putting these ideas into action. Your relationship will be enriched beyond belief!

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